Face shape can be a tricky thing to figure out, but it’s a key part of finding a flattering hairstyle. Check out our guide to the four major face shapes, and learn which looks are best for you!

 

 

Every face is unique, but most fall under one of these four basic shapes: heart, round, square, and oval. The best way to figure out your own shape is by pulling back your hair and tracing the outline of your face using eyeliner or a dry-erase marker on your mirror, then looking for different shapes’ identifying factors. Here are some beginner’s guidelines for determining your own face shape.

 

 

Photos (l to r): KM/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES, Juan Rico/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES, FameFlynetUK/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES

 

1. Heart

 

Heart-shape faces are widest at the forehead and cheek bones, and gently taper down to an angular or pointed chin. It’s not a must, but most heart-shape faces include a widow’s peak.

 

Heart-Shape Celeb Faces: Taylor Swift, Reese Witherspoon, Kourtney Kardashian, Scarlett Johansson, Selena Gomez, Emma Stone

 

Hair Tips: Layered cuts with lots of volume and a side part are ideal for this face shape.

 

Makeup Tips: The apples of your cheeks are the highlight of your face, and using a pink cream blush will you give you a dewy, naturally flushed look. Red lipstick is also the perfect complement to this classic, feminine face shape.

 

 

 

Photos (l to r): ER/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES, API/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES, Juan Rico/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES

 

2. Round

 

The major defining characteristic of a round-shape face is if the length and width of your face are the same or extremely close. A round hairline and jaw line with no major angles are also indicators.

 

Round Celeb Faces: Ginnifer Goodwin, Miranda Kerr, Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Upton, Sarah Hyland

 

Hair Tips: Skip the volume: Big hair can make a round face look wider than it is long. A face-framing cut with a deep side part will help slim your super-symmetrical face.

 

Makeup Tips: Contouring is great for adding angles and definition to round faces. Apply blush underneath your cheekbones to elongate the face—adding blush to the apples of your cheeks will only make your face look more round.

 

 

 

Photos (l to r): ER/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES, KM/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES, AO IMAGES/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES

 

3. Square

 

The first identifier of a square-shape face is a strong, angular jaw line. A typical square face has very little narrowing from the forehead to the cheekbone, and cheekbone to chin.

 

Square Celeb Faces: Sandra Bullock, Lucy Liu, Olivia Wilde, Kylie Jenner, Heidi Klum

 

Hair Tips: Soft, romantic curls. Long layers, and hairstyles that are longer in the front.

 

Makeup Tips: Harsh makeup lines stand out more on an angled face, so keep your blush application soft and light, and be sure to blend your foundation and bronzer seamlessly. Applying a highlighter to the forehead is another great tip – it draws the eyes upward and balances the face.

 

 

 

Photos (l to r): Juan Rico/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES, Juan Rico/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES, FPA/FAMEFLYNET PICTURES

 

4. Oval

 

An oval face is one that is longer than it is wide, with no major angles at the hairline or jaw line.

 

Oval Celeb Faces: Beyonce, Jessica Alba, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, Iggy Azalea

 

Hair Tips: Oval faces are the most versatile when it comes to hair styling. Most lengths, cuts, and parts work well. Lucky you!

 

Makeup Tips: On a longer, oval-shape face, it’s important to highlight the eyes with subtly arched eyebrows. Eyebrows with an extreme arch can look witchy; straight, narrow eyebrows make your face look disproportionate. A dark smoky eye is another great way to add dimension to an oval face.